Case Synopsis, Uses, Discussion Questions, and Answers
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CASE 4 Build-A-Bear Workshop: Where Best Friends Are Made
Synopsis: Build-A-Bear Workshop is a unique chain of over 400 stores where customers can build
their own teddy bears and, in general, obtain a novel and fun experience. The case
highlights the strategy and operations of a typical store and types of experiences enjoyed
by customers.
Uses:
Chapter 1 Provides a general overview of a unique retail concept.
Discussion Questions
1. Is the Build-A-Bear concept a fad, or does it have staying power?
Children’s fascination with huggable, stuffed animals, especially Teddy Bears, has only grown
over the past several decades. Build-A-Bear’s core emphasis is on the giving children an
2. What can Build-A-Bear Workshop do to generate repeat visits to the store?
For repeat visits, consumers (in this case, children) must be exposed to something novel and
interesting during each visit. In Build-A-Bear’s case, this is already happening with frequent